Laurie Smith


Translation of Annie Molin Vasseur's poem "Mémoires océanes"

Ocean Memories
(excerpts)
 
I have taken from a small boat
the oysters of my birth
and learned of my origins:
 
Run aground on rocks
my settled ivory interior now like
Japanese mother-of-pearl

I AM

infinite as the ocean,
a universal memory
like that one small pearl presented
from the cradle of humanity

a submerged vessel
taking in water
through its open wounds
I will harbour forever
the periwinkles and all the parasites
that have found my empty hull,
my oars secured

carved into the bottom of the ocean,
from here I filter calcified tears
and pray that the memories will go on.

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